First Half Term Recap

We have had a great half term at St. Matthews.  The boys have done great transitioning and we are thoroughly enjoying a week break.  They were both pretty tired and ready to be able to wear what they wanted and play all day long.  

Now that Ben is in year one, he can be involved in after school clubs.  He was so excited to start football club with his best friend L.

Nate had a week and a half of half days to transition to reception.  I really enjoyed my afternoons with just him.

While Ben is at football club, we hang around and Nate conquered the climbing wall.  He has a lot of upper body strength and he is determined!  

One of the things that I LOVE about St. Matthews is that it is connected to a church.  So, they have their assemblies at a church where they sing christian songs and learn about God.  This was their fall harvest assembly where they sang about God's goodness and provision.  Sorry, the pic is blurry.  

They also had an open morning where we went into the school and observed learning time.  This is Ben showing us the things he likes to play/learn with.

Nate intent on learning about the letter/sound R.  RRRR for Robot

They both are doing great in school and transitioning back to life in England.  Ben was voted onto Student Council.  He gets to wear a pin on his tie on Monday.  He is so excited and proud. 

Raising them right!

During our last week in Anderson, we made one last trip over to Clemson.  We had a great time!  Did a little shopping, ate at Mellow Mushroom, Clemson Ice Cream, etc.  I remember my first trip to Clemson with my dad.  So, it is really fun to be able to share the same with our boys.  Allen and I have such sweet memories at Clemson and the boys love all the Tigers!  

Trudy gave us this cute onesie for our little one!  At the time, we didn't know if it was a girl or boy.  Before Anna arrives, I will be making an orange tutu!

Ben didn't want to be in the picture but he was definitely having FUN!

Go TIGERS!!

It's a Girl!!!!

Introducing Anna Joy Hawkins:

Anna meaning gracious or favor.  

Luke records that Anna was present when infant Jesus was presented at the Temple.  As soon as she saw Him she knew.

 And there was a prophetess, Anna...She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.  And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.  

Luke 2:36-38 ESV

Anna was one who continually lived in the presence of God, recognized her savior the first time she saw Him, and proclaimed Him to all.  This would be our prayer for our Anna.

(Anna's middle name is the same as Sara's)

Our last day, a perfect day at the lake...

The day before we left the US, we had the awesome opportunity to spend the afternoon at the lake with family.  What a special afternoon!  We worked hard all week to be packed and ready to just relax and it was worth it!   We played in the water all afternoon and finished the night with steaks and homemade ice cream.  Definitely the perfect way to end four and a half special months in the US. 

I loved seeing the boys with all of their cousins this summer.  Such a blessing! 

My boys had never been on a seadoo before and they LOVED it!

Their first tubing experience was a hit!

Brothers!

I had the pleasure of sitting back and taking in all the smiles and laughs.  Storing them up for the years when we are apart.  What a gift from God the last four months were to my heart and soul.  There is no doubt in my mind that we are exactly where we are supposed to be but there is a price for living overseas.  Thankful for the sweet gift of time and memories!